Grant Thornton invests in M&A team

Tess Egginton
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Grant Thornton invests in M&A team
Grant Thornton UK LLP’s East team has made two senior promotions on the back of a strong year of deal activity. Stuart Davies has been promoted to Partner, with Toby Hare being promoted to Director. Stuart will continue to focus on the East of England, leading the team alongside fellow Partners Mike Tillson and Doug Bentley. The team is already the largest dedicated Corporate Finance team in the region with 15 transaction specialists, with Stuart and Toby’s news following recent promotions of Huyen Nong and Zach Rose to Manager roles, alongside the recent recruitment of Usman Khattak since the start of the year, demonstrating the team’s investment to drive further growth following a successful 2023. Grant Thornton’s M&A team specialise in working with entrepreneurs in the region with stand-out deals during the past year including the sale of nursery school provider Orchard Day Nurseries to Kindred Education, the corporate carve out of manufacturing business Strata Products in a sale to Chiltern Capital, the Management Buy-Out of pharma services business MAP Patient Access, backed by Kester Capital and two acquisitions for the UK’s fastest growing retail group, AK Retail. Stuart Davies, Corporate Finance Partner at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “Despite a slowdown in global M&A activity from the highs of 2021, there remains a high level of liquidity in both the UK and overseas market, and appetite for strategically important acquisitions remains strong. We remain optimistic as we progress through 2024 with a strong pipeline for good quality deals.” Mike Tillson, fellow Partner in the Grant Thornton UK LLP team, said: “The recent promotions and appointments within the team demonstrate our confidence in the local market across the East of England and our confidence in the market going forwards.”

MIRA Technology Park breaks ground on next phase of development

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MIRA Technology Park breaks ground on next phase of development
Following a groundbreaking ceremony that marks the start of the next phase for MIRA Technology Park, Plot 9 has officially begun construction, acting as the inaugural building in this stage. This next phase will add one million square foot of innovation and engineering facilities to the existing 850-acre site, heralding a new era of growth, larger footprints, and enhanced opportunities for existing occupiers to scale up. Plot 9 is divided into two units, each providing 36,000 square foot of space to deliver a total area of 72,000 square foot. These units have been designed to offer a blend of workshop and office space, surrounded by natural landscaping and parking. Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine, said: “This milestone not only represents a significant economic opportunity for the region, with over £60m of high-value employment already present, but also signals a crucial next step in the evolution of both MIRA Tech Park and the global industry it supports. “This development is a testament to the commitment of fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth, and is a key asset for the Midlands and UK’s innovation landscape.” Tim Nathan, Managing Director for MIRA Tech Park, said: “The commencement of this next phase marks a significant step forward in the realisation of our vision and a key milestone unlocking the next phase of the Tech Park. “We celebrate not only the economic growth this brings but also the spirit of collaboration that has made it possible, further establishing MIRA Tech Park as a globally attractive location and UK national asset.” Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Chief Executive, Bill Cullen said: “The council is delighted to have played its role in the latest expansion of this research and development facility on Mira Technology Park. “The development marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the park bringing opportunities for more high skilled jobs to the area. Plus making a significant contribution to the local economy.” This next phase of MIRA Tech Park is being delivered in a joint venture with real estate investor and developer, Evans Randall Investors, with the project delivery managed by Swanvale Developments. GMI has been appointed as the construction company entrusted with the construction of Plot 9 which is set to achieve strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) credentials, targeting a BREEAM rating of “Excellent” and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A.

Rolls-Royce nuclear reactor model features in new Science Museum exhibit

Stuart Pearcey
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Rolls-Royce nuclear reactor model features in new Science Museum exhibit
A model of the Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor features in a new exhibition at the Science Museum. The Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy Gallery at the Science Museum has opened its doors to the public and features a Rolls-Royce SMR model in the Future Power exhibition. The model highlights the innovate modular approach and the vital role our Small Modular Reactor can play in a global low-carbon future. Rolls-Royce SMR CEO Chris Cholerton said: “I’m thrilled we’ve been able to help the Science Museum explore opportunities for the world to decarbonise through a more sustainable use of energy and to show how our technology can play a part. “The Science Museum has curated a range of exciting clean technology exhibits for the gallery that tell this powerful and compelling story for the first time in such a stimulating way and I’m proud our SMR has been chosen to be at the heart of it.” Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy Gallery is part of the Science Museum’s free offering and replaces the Atmosphere gallery, which welcomed more than six million visitors between 2010 and 2022. The Rolls-Royce SMR is a radically different approach to delivering new nuclear power based on proven reactor technology. Each of the ‘factory-built’ nuclear power stations will provide enough low-carbon electricity to power a million homes for more than 60 years.

Alstom to mothball Litchurch Lane factory

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Alstom to mothball Litchurch Lane factory
The production lines are stopping at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane factory in Derby, with the train-manufacturing site set to be mothballed. It puts 3,000 jobs on the line following 10 months of discussions with Government in an attempt to secure the facility’s future. The loss of work and jobs in Derby will also have a knock-on effect on the local and national supply chain, where it supports 15,000 jobs. It comes as the factory faces a significant 18-month production gap and HS2 delays, meaning it cannot continue functioning in the interim. Alstom said in a statement: “We have worked constructively with the government on securing a sustainable future for Derby Litchurch Lane, but after 10 months of discussions we have run out of time, and the production lines have stopped. We will now consult with our staff, with trades unions and with our UK supply chain to provide as much certainty as we can.”

East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “The uncertainty at Alstom has dragged on for too long and the government need to act urgently to safeguard production at Litchurch Lane.

“We know that as a country we have new rolling stock needs that can be met by the highly skilled workforce we have in Derby and its wider regional supply chain – any inability to iron out the gaps in orders would represent a significant failure of national planning and have detrimental knock-on effects in Derby, Derbyshire and across the country.

“This can’t be allowed to happen – it is imperative government intervention is stepped up so we can get a workable resolution that protects jobs in the sector now and for the long-term future.”

Nottingham City Council’s Workplace Travel Service secures new funding stream

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Nottingham City Council’s Workplace Travel Service secures new funding stream
Nottingham City Council’s Transforming Cities-funded Workplace Travel Service has wrapped up after two years, helping 87 local businesses and organisations. Although the initial Government support for Nottingham City Council’s Transforming Cities-funded Workplace Travel Service has ended, the authority has another stream of funding for 2024/2025. This comes from the Government’s Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Block, which means the team can assist more local businesses and organisations with sustainable travel improvements. In the past two years, the Workplace Travel Service has:
  • Worked with 87 local businesses and organisations to support them with either 100% or 75% funded improvements
  • Awarded more than £800,000 in grants to enable the installation of green travel measures, including EV chargers, bike shelters, pool e-bikes and more
Recently the programme installed four 22 kW 3 phase EV charging points at A.N. Wallis, a Bulwell business which manufactures earthing, lightning protection and other electrical items for projects around the world. The company plans to offer free charging for staff with electric vehicles to encourage them to ditch more polluting cars. After A.N. Wallis applied for help to install the charging points, the Council provided a grant of £9,271 to cover the work. A.N. Wallis contributed 25% towards the overall cost. Simon Sorsby, Engineering Director at A.N. Wallis, said: “As a local manufacturer working on many renewable projects nationwide, sustainability is very important to us and a key part of our ongoing efforts to be a good corporate citizen in everything we do. “We decided to apply for the grant to charge both our company EV vehicles and allow our employees to charge up at work too, encouraging them to switch away from petrol and diesel cars. “Assisted by our new charge points, we plan to move our company fleet to 100% electric by 2025, helping us save 32 tonnes of CO2 a year.” Councillor Angela Kandola, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Transport and Planning at Nottingham City Council, said: “Helping local businesses and other organisations become greener and cut harmful air pollution is a key goal of the City Council, and I’m delighted that our Workplace Travel Service can continue to make a big difference locally thanks to this new Government funding. “I encourage all local businesses, groups, charities and public sector organisations to think about what green travel improvements they could benefit from and then apply via our friendly team.”

Home and garden PR agency enters phase of rapid growth with team and services expansion

Michael Fisher
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Home and garden PR agency enters phase of rapid growth with team and services expansion
Specialist home and garden PR agency, Honest Communications, has announced the expansion of its team and services, with the creation of its first-ever Operations Director and the launch of its influencer marketing platform, The Honest Network. The promotion of longstanding employee, Fay Clarkson, to the position of Operations and Account Director bolsters the business’s leadership team, joining founder Holly Daulby at the helm of the company. Fay, who is one of Honest Communication’s first employees having joined the company in 2020 and has recently returned to the business following maternity leave, will be the driving force behind the agency’s operations and systems, leading on team productivity and efficiency. She will also be continuing to oversee her client portfolio and account director responsibilities, as well as ensuring the Honest team continues to achieve stellar results for its clients. Offering brands in its portfolio a fully integrated approach to communications with PR, social media, content creation and brand voice, Honest Communications has also launched its aptly named influencer marketing platform – The Honest Network. Designed to bring brands and influencers together, the Honest Network provides a unique way of connecting companies with the very best content creators in the industry, uniting both parties to deliver top-quality campaigns. While creating social media campaigns is at the heart of the Honest Network, it’s also about creating a community. Members will be among the first to hear the latest news from Honest’s clients, receive product samples, attend exclusive webinars, be invited to in-person networking events, and gain exclusive behind-the-scenes access to brands at events such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. These exciting updates come as the business enters a rapid phase of growth, having just celebrated its fifth anniversary and welcomed numerous new clients, including premium greenhouse manufacturer, Alitex, to its portfolio. Holly commented: “It’s an incredibly exciting time for us as an agency. We have secured several client wins over the past couple of months (watch this space for more updates on that of very soon!), and we are currently recruiting for two new positions – an account manager and an account executive – to help service these new accounts. We have big plans for 2024 and beyond, and hope to further expand our team, portfolio and services!” The Derby-based agency provides PR and social media support for a host of popular household names such as Wilkinson Sword Garden Tools, Henchman, Town & Country, elho, WOLF-Garten, Seedball, Hillier Garden Centres, and Cobra.

Leicester property investor sells two industrial units

Tess Egginton
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Leicester property investor sells two industrial units
Leicester property investor Custodian Property Income REIT has sold two industrial units. A site in Weybridge has been disposed of for £6m, while the firm has unconditionally exchanged on the disposal of a vacant industrial unit in Warrington for £9m. The Warrington disposal is expected to complete in mid-April 2024 and total proceeds from the disposals of £15m will be used towards repaying the company’s existing revolving debt facility. Richard Shepherd-Cross, Managing Director of Custodian Capital Limited (the company’s external fund manager), said: “Whilst planning consent has been received to redevelop the Warrington site we believe that, due to a lack of occupier demand and the ability to crystallise a substantial profit for our shareholders, now is the best time to sell. “Selling vacant property is particularly accretive to earnings by both saving void costs and reducing interest expense. “The Weybridge asset has provided a healthy level of income over its four years of ownership and having re-let the unit in 2022 at an increased level of rent, we believe future rental growth may not meet our income growth expectations going forwards so we have made the decision to sell.”

Funding sees automotive remanufacturer drive growth overseas

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Funding sees automotive remanufacturer drive growth overseas

Grantham-headquartered engineering firm Autocraft Solutions Group has secured a £24 million Asset Based Lending facility from HSBC UK to fund domestic growth and set up new facilities in Europe and the USA.

The facility will directly fund significant growth for Autocraft Solutions Group’s existing UK and European contracts with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and as part of the expansion plans, the business is projected to increase turnover by over 50 per cent and to increase its headcount by over 10 per cent.

The funding will also assist Autocraft Solutions Group in accelerating its expansion plans by replicating its REVIVE® facility in Arnhem in the Netherlands at multiple global locations, including Scandinavia, Southern Europe and North America. The first of these locations is expected to open in mid-2025, which will enable the business to grow with existing and new global customers.

The new REVIVE® sites will triage, repair and remanufacture EV battery packs, enabling the business to process 1,400 EV batteries each year. This more environmentally friendly alternative to creating new battery packs will see each facility save around 1,500 tonnes of CO2, six megawatt-hours of electricity and two million litres of water per year.

Mike Hague-Morgan, Executive Director at Autocraft Solutions Group, said: “We are growing the legacy of engine remanufacturing, and we’re also at the forefront of EV technology. HSBC UK’s global capabilities made the bank an ideal partner to support our next phase of growth and international expansion. Importantly, the bank also shares our passion for green-tech and helping our customers in their journey to net-zero.” 

Sam Owen, Business Development Director at HSBC UK, added: “Autocraft Solutions Group is playing an important role in the automotive sector’s transition to net zero, and this deal provides the business with financial firepower to boost supply to the growing EV market.” 

Administrators sell Northamptonshire caravan firm

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Administrators sell Northamptonshire caravan firm

Following their appointment as joint administrators, Ryan Grant and Chris Pole from Interpath Advisory have sold White Arches Caravans Limited and its operating subsidiary, P.N. Sharpe Limited.

Trading from sites in Rushden and Wellingborough, White Arches Caravans Limited is a retailer of new and used caravans and motorhomes. Both companies are part of the Robinsons Caravans group.

Over the past 12 months, the Group’s cashflow declined due to a number of macroeconomic factors. In particular, the cost-of-living crisis has meant customers have had less disposable income leading to the company experiencing a decrease in both the number of caravans purchased and the average purchase price.

Additionally, White Arches had seen costs rise, including financing costs as a result of high interest rates. This, coupled with the impact of the financial issues seen across the wider Group, further harmed the company’s cash position.

As a result of these mounting pressures, the directors sought to undertake a review of their investment, refinance and sale options. When it became clear that a solvent solution could not be found, they took the decision to seek the appointment of administrators.

Immediately following their appointment, the joint administrators sold the business and assets of the companies to a newco owned by Spinney Motorhomes and Caravans. As part of the transaction, all 55 staff members have transferred to the purchaser. 

Charlie Holland, Director of Spinney Garage Limited, said: “We’re delighted to welcome White Arches into the Spinney group. As a family-run business ourselves, our values and philosophy are very similar to those of White Arches, so we’re looking forward to taking the company back to its roots. To this end, we intend to continue to trade the business under the White Arches name, retaining its well-respected brand.”

Ryan Grant, managing director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “Having traded for over 45 years, White Arches is a well-established and well-respected name in the caravan and motorhome sector. We are delighted therefore to have concluded this transaction which will enable the business to continue to trade under new ownership. We wish the team all the very best for the future.”

Harris Lamb appoints new head of environment team

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Harris Lamb appoints new head of environment team

The Director of property consultancy Harris Lamb’s Environment department has announced her departure from the business in order to specialise in heritage projects and is handing over the reins to her right-hand man.

Dr Holly Smith joined Harris Lamb in February 2018, tasked with building an ecological arm to the business to operate in conjunction with the Planning department. In the six years since, she has built a seven-strong team of ecologists and developed a UK-wide portfolio of clients requiring ecological advice and support.

Holly is joining the HCUK Group, an environmental consultancy with a focus on heritage and archaeology projects specialising in the management of change within the historic environment.

Holly said: “This has been an extremely difficult decision. I am immensely proud of the team of colleagues I have built here, the diverse range of invaluable services we offer and in particular, what we have achieved in terms of supporting clients throughout the residential and commercial sectors about environmental impact and biodiversity net gain.

“My passion for history and heritage projects dates back to my childhood, and I’m currently studying part time for a Masters degree in Historic Buildings at York University, so the opportunity to combine that with my ecological experience and to work alongside and learn from archaeological experts was one I simply couldn’t pass up,” she said.

Craig Greenwell, who joined the team as an Associate in 2022, will take over as head of department.

Simon Hawley, Director of the business’s Planning department, added: “We are extremely sad to see Holly go, but she goes with our best wishes. My planning colleagues and I had worked alongside Holly for five years prior to her joining us to form the Environment team, and we are very grateful for the time and effort she put into growing such a successful department from a standing start.

“Craig has proved himself a key member of the team from the moment he joined us, and we have no doubt he will be an enthusiastic successor who will follow in her footsteps when it comes to continuing to develop and inspire the team.”

Craig Greenwell said: “Holly’s are big shoes to fill but I am delighted to have been trusted to head up such a motivated and talented team of ecologists. The work our team does, and the passion they have, is a matter of real pride to us, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with them and our diverse client portfolio to oversee national projects and support organisations on the work we do and the steps they can take to enhance the natural environment alongside their own developments.”

PR Guru launches high-tech assistant in major Ai move

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PR Guru launches high-tech assistant in major Ai move

Greg Simpson, the Nottingham-based PR behemoth and former business journalist, who really should know better than to issue a story on a Bank Holiday, has announced his latest innovation.

According to Simpson’s missive, which was announced via a cloud of hot air, smoke and mirrors, “Pepe” will “transform the way writers of press content approach these dark arts and bring it kicking and screaming back into the good old days when life was simpler.”

As yet, it has not been revealed exactly how the assistant works but Simpson has apparently been teaching it basic commands which render the use of adjectives in headlines and opening paragraphs impossible to execute without an override.

Capital letters in job titles are also understood to be under threat.

As are curiously short paragraphs that add little value but do break up the copy and lead seamlessly into a quote, like this one here: “It’s high time that professional press botherers like myself started to take the impact of Ai more seriously,” Simpson explained.

“The threat to original thought, content and humour is very real. Meanwhile, the impact of that on being able to build a brand that people can actually be bothered to take at least casual notice of is as palpable as the content is pulpable.”

Beta-testing of “Pepe” in a controlled environment has already produced promising results, with helpful suggestions from the system including: “Hey! It looks like you’re writing a press release,” “Try a quote that doesn’t mention being DELIGHTED” and “Please don’t use the photo of you shaking hands below the company logo.”

Early adopters of Pepe can get a trial account by using the code AFool.

Council submits final objections on rail hub

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Council submits final objections on rail hub
Blaby District Council has submitted its final objections to the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange as the Planning Inspectorate’s examination of the plans ends. The summary reinforces fears the 662-acre hub would destroy vast swathes of the District. It would also have far-reaching adverse highways, environmental and social impacts, according to the Council. The scheme is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project so the final decision on approval or rejection lies with the Secretary of State for Transport. As a consultee in the planning process the Council must now await this decision, expected in the autumn. Proposed by developers Tritax Symmetry, the hub is earmarked for a huge expanse of countryside between the M69 and the Birmingham to Leicester rail line. The site lies southwest of Elmesthorpe and is on the edge of Burbage Common. In its closing submission the Council outlines its key outstanding concerns. It urges the Secretary of State to refuse the application. The Council contend:
  • The true severity of highways impacts, especially at the M1/M69 junction and Narborough level crossing has been poorly assessed so required mitigation is unknown
  • The proposal is badly designed and would create major adverse landscape and ecological impacts with the loss of wildlife habitat
  • Neighbouring settlements would suffer from unnecessary noise and light pollution
  • Expected job creation would not benefit the District as it results in generally low-paid jobs
  • The suggested socio-economic and climate change benefits do not outweigh the adverse impacts
  • There is no guarantee that goods will be brought in by rail rather than by road
Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “We maintain our vehement opposition to the rail freight scheme. We maintain there has been insufficient mitigation for a whole host of issues. “The scheme is poorly designed and totally alien to the surrounding environment. It would cause untold damage to the rural nature of our District and have wide-ranging adverse impacts beyond the immediate site area. “Again and again, the same issues have come up during this examination. This is due to inadequate consultation by Tritax Symmetry and their failure to amend their plans in response to the concerns raised. “While I am confident we have done all we possibly can to counter this proposal it is up to the Secretary of State to make the final call. For us, the claimed benefits of the scheme simply do not outweigh the significant harms caused. We can only hope the Minister agrees and rejects the plans.”

£70m investment to help University of Nottingham power future transport to net zero

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£70m investment to help University of Nottingham power future transport to net zero
The University of Nottingham has secured more than £70 million to establish new world-leading and open-access research facilities and programmes that will decarbonise future transport. The funding is secured based on a £14 million award from the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF). This is augmented by both public and private co-investment that will allow the university to build on its existing internationally leading capabilities in electrification, hydrogen and manufacturing. “This is one of the largest funding injections the East Midlands has ever seen, and the opportunities are clear for new research to enable the UK to take an international lead in powering transport,” said Chris Gerada, Professor of Electrical Machines and lead for strategic research and innovation initiatives at the University of Nottingham. “Today’s investment accelerates our shared vision to create world-class facilities, build strategic partnerships with industry, stimulate investments in the UK, and drive economic growth. We’re grateful to UKRPIF and our industry partners for the trust they have put in us.” Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Executive Chair at Research England, said: “I am pleased to be able to award four more universities funding from our flagship UK Research Partnership Investment Fund to create four centres in a diverse range of topics, from net zero aviation to wound research, and disease therapies to future transport. “I very much look forward to seeing how these new facilities deliver against a variety of diverse challenges over the coming years.” The facilities will enable scale up of a number of manufacturing processes for Electrical Machines and Drives being developed in UKRI’s Driving the Electric Revolution Industrialisation Centre (DER-IC). From March 2025, the university will work closely with industry partners to demonstrate electrical machines and drives manufacturing for a range of propulsion, traction, and generator applications. The manufacturing facilities will also be available for industry co-location to accelerate new technology developments to market. The facilities and programmes will also enable testing of novel powertrains, including cryogenic electrical machines and power electronics, systems fuelled by liquid hydrogen and other green fuels, as well as the opportunity to create advanced manufacturing capabilities to allow rapid market introduction of the latest research into decarbonised transport solutions where battery electric power is not viable. Industry and researchers will be able to ‘plug and play’ disruptive heavy transport components and sub-systems. A new systems integration lab, operational by 2025, will support discovery of insights through performance evaluations under real-world environments with real component and sub-system interactions. “Building on the university’s leading capabilities in zero carbon innovation, our open-access facilities will bring together partnerships at regional, national, and international level. We’re enabling collaboration with other higher education institutions, ensuring the highest-quality research and maximising academic, industrial and socioeconomic impact,” said Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Nottingham. The university’s co-investment partners span a range of industries across aerospace, power generation, marine and off-highway. The facilities and programmes will be primarily based at the university’s Jubilee Campus and build upon recent investments such as the Power Electronics and Machines Centre (PEMC), the zero carbon innovation centre funded by East Midlands Freeport, as well as previous investments from Driving the Electric Revolution, Research England, EPSRC and D2N2. Together, they strengthen the university’s position as part of a national network of research, infrastructure, and skills development. Harry Malins, Chief Innovation Officer at the Aerospace Technology Institute, said: “The University of Nottingham’s proposed facility will address some of the key areas for which open-access solutions do not yet exist in the UK, including test infrastructure for hydrogen systems at altitude and at high power conditions.”

New owners for Leicestershire day nursery

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New owners for Leicestershire day nursery
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Nurture Me Day Nursery in Lutterworth, Leicestershire. Established in 2012 by Gill Masters and Helen Smith, Nurture Me Day Nursery is a ‘Good’ rated setting which has the capacity for up to 106 children, as well as an out-of-school and holiday club provision for 25. Following a confidential sales process with David Eaves at Christie & Co, it has been purchased by Kids Planet Day Nurseries which now owns 190 settings across the UK. Gill Masters and Helen Smith, former owners of Nurture Me Day Nursery, said: “Having enjoyed substantial growth over the past few years, we decided it was time to join a family-owned group of nurseries who could provide the central support needed for a larger setting, which also facilitated our retirement. “Kids Planet was a great ‘fit’ with similar values to Nurture Me, and we both feel that the future of our lovely nursery is in very safe hands, for parents, children and of course our amazing staff team.” Clare Roberts, CEO at Kids Planet Day Nurseries, said: “I am delighted to welcome Nurture Me. The nursery fits well into the Kids Planet family, coming with a well-established leadership team and a highly qualified workforce. Nurture Me expands our offering in Leicestershire, and we are excited to support the whole team and families moving forward.” David Eaves, Director – Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, said: “It was a pleasure to support Gill and Helen in the sale of Nurture Me. I originally met Gill back in late 2021 and we had discussed sale options at that point. “It was clear that there was a fantastic underlying business that simply needed a little time to recover from the pandemic for them to achieve the right value. Having now got the business to an enviable level of occupancy and profitability, it was the perfect time for them to realise the benefit of their hard work. “Using our sector experience and deep market knowledge we were able to secure multiple offers in a short space of time and achieve a completion only six weeks from agreeing terms. “We continue to see an exceptional level of demand for high-quality childcare businesses across the East Midlands from a range of buyers. With demand outstripping supply in the current market, this creates an excellent opportunity for nursery owners to maximise the value they can achieve in a sale process.” Nurture Me Day Nursery was sold for an undisclosed price.

Alfreton fashion brand seeks SEO support from Sheffield firm

Stuart Pearcey
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Alfreton fashion brand seeks SEO support from Sheffield firm
Alfreton-based fashion brand David Nieper has selected Sheffield-based The SEO Works to manage its SEO and PPC as the 60-year-old firm seeks to increase its digital presence and move away from more traditional marketing methods. The company is seeking to promote its commitment to sustainable manufacturing in the UK, using traditional skills such as sewing and knitting. The proposed strategy will bring plenty of change, including incorporating lead generation-focused adverts to help drive new business, further in-depth keyword research to help locate target audiences, and expert support in the early stages of their new website launch. Nieper CEO Christopher Nieper said: “It’s a pleasure to find an agency that will go the extra mile to satisfy their clients.  I’m optimistic about good results with The SEO Works!” Having already utilised both their internal resources and external consultancy to progress both SEO and PPC, the addition of the award-winning agency would look to lean on their proven expertise to take things to the next level. Alex Hill, Sales Director of The SEO Works, said: “Working with a prestigious company like David Nieper is a great opportunity for us! The distinct ability of our SEO and PPC teams to work in unison has allowed us to generate some spectacular results for our clients, and I know that this campaign will be no different. Our proven track record of successful clients within the fashion sector also makes me believe that we are best placed to help deliver results that David Nieper is worthy of!”

Atlantic Pumps appoints senior marketing manager

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Atlantic Pumps appoints senior marketing manager
Atlantic Pumps has appointed Samantha Damon as senior marketing manager. Samantha brings with her over 25 years’ experience and a proven track record as a senior leader in marketing across various industry sectors. In her new role, Samantha will be responsible for leading the B2B marketing function including brand development, lead generation, campaign and product marketing through the development and execution of a marking strategy to support Atlantic Pumps realise its growth ambitions. Samantha was previously with financial services company PIB Group for over five years, holding the role of marketing manager for both PIB Risk Management and Retail Specialty Division. Talking about the appointment of Samantha, Atlantic Pumps Managing Director Andy Smith said: “We are pleased to have Sam join the team, with a focus on communicating with our customers better and ensuring we clearly articulate the value we bring, especially to markets we haven’t served before.” Samantha, who holds a first-class honours degree in Business Management from the University of Plymouth, said: “I’m delighted to be joining the leadership team at Atlantic Pumps to help drive brand and sales growth through a clear marketing strategy and plan. “I look forward to utilising my expertise and experience to support innovation and drive our customer centric approach to further business growth.”

Businesses urged to support schools in inspiring the next generation of engineers

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Businesses urged to support schools in inspiring the next generation of engineers
A South Derbyshire-led STEM education project believes businesses are key in supporting local schools to help the next generation of engineers. Holly Davies, who runs science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education workshops through STEM Venturi, based in Hilton, is appealing for help to build greater links between businesses and schools to bridge the UK’s digital skills gap. It is estimated that the current digital skills gap is costing the UK economy as much as £63 billion a year in potential GDP with only 61% of the active population in the UK having digital skills compared to 69.4% in the US. A recent Learning and Work Institute report also states the number of young people taking IT subjects at GCSE has dropped 40% since 2015 resulting in the UK heading towards a digital skills shortage ‘disaster’. A former aerospace engineer herself Holly is now looking for up to 10 businesses who are prepared to fund interactive STEM workshops that will help Midlands schools to boost their digital skills offer. These could be creating weather stations, wildlife trackers or ground temperature monitors in forest school sessions or helping to code music apps and fitness trackers to inspire children’s digital creativity and coding. The aim is to help build vital skills for youngsters to promote computing and wider creativity skills while showing them how skills they build through hobbies, such as gaming and lego, could actually create career opportunities going forward. Holly, who already runs a variety of in school and after school activities across Burton and South Derbyshire, said: “If we are to bridge the skills gap we need to start by inspiring the next generation to understand the possibilities. “STEM is not only important for children who have a passion for engineering and technology but also in helping to encourage creativity and exploration to show youngsters that anything is possible. “It may be that youngsters find they have an interest in coding, racing remote control cars or building robots. What they don’t then understand is that these interests could go on to create rewarding jobs later on such as designing 3D video games or building robots to solve problems for large manufacturing firms. “If we are to inspire change then we need to be introducing new opportunities and that is where I think employers can help by bridging that gap between what schools are teaching and how that can be applied to a future career.” STEM Venturi is looking for businesses to donate time and funds to support schools to upskill between 30 and 120 pupils at a time. The sessions can be tailored around the business to provide a valuable insight into future careers in that sector with the aim being to build closer links between schools and businesses to provide the skills needed to bridge the digital skills gap. Rachel Edwards, lead teacher at the Design Technology Department in Windsor Park CE Middle School, Uttoxeter, said it was important that experts were brought in to support teachers in delivering these ‘invaluable’ skills for young people. She said: “STEM skills are crucial for preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the world of work. Being able to have external providers in, like STEM Venturi, to showcase these skills is invaluable. In a recent 3D printing workshop run by the STEM Venturi team our key stage 3 students left knowing a lot more about the additive manufacturing process and all of the possibilities that this technology can provide.”

Financial planning business, Wren Sterling makes first acquisition of 2024

Tess Egginton
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Financial planning business, Wren Sterling makes first acquisition of 2024
Nottingham financial planning business, Wren Sterling, has completed its first acquisition of 2024, swooping for TW Financial Planning Limited. Based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, TW Financial Planning has three financial planners, who service over 750 households. It manages around £265m on behalf of its clients. The TW Financial office in the heart of Staffordshire will join Wren Sterling’s national office network, boosting its physical presence in the West Midlands. Wren Sterling now operates from 13 offices covering 11 locations across the UK with plans for future deals to grow its network. James Twining, Wren Sterling’s CEO, said: “This deal ticks a lot of boxes for Wren Sterling. TW Financial Planning is a self-sustaining business borne out of close working relationships with professional introducers and has grown through client referrals and a strong local reputation. “Our investment in technology and our central resources, including our Investment Committee, will do some of the heavy lifting that comes with running an advice business and allow the team to focus on client work, which is what they do best. “The quality of the TW Financial Planning team, with some achieving Chartered status, will further grow our overall standard of advice and I am looking forward to bringing their expertise to the rest of Wren Sterling.” Chris Devey, a Director at TW Financial Planning, added: “Wren Sterling’s service proposition is very similar to ours, while their onboarding process has been designed to minimise disruption to our clients and colleagues, which has always been our priority when looking for a firm to take our business to the next stage. “Retaining our staff and our links to Thompson Wright Chartered Accountants, plus the opportunity to benefit from Wren Sterling’s scale, expertise, tools, technology and resources is a compelling offer and we believe this will only benefit us, and our clients.” The acquisition of TW Financial by Wren Sterling was brokered by Gwill Evans of Gunner & Co.

Work starts on 75 affordable homes at Sinfin development

Tess Egginton
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Work starts on 75 affordable homes at Sinfin development
Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) has started work to build a development of 75 new affordable homes on Goodsmoor Road in Derby. The site on Goodsmoor Road in Sinfin, less than five miles south of Derby city centre, will provide accommodation comprising one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes whilst regenerating the site of a former munition depot. Marking the first joint scheme as part of a wider partnership, MORRO Partnerships will construct the affordable homes on behalf of NCHA. The development will be made up of 45 affordable homes for rent and 30 will be available to buy with the help of the shared ownership scheme. NCHA, MORRO and RG+P Architects met with Derby City Council for a tour of the site. Councillor Shiraz Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Property and Regulatory Services at Derby City Council, said: “The right to a warm, safe and affordable home is critical to wellbeing and is a right everyone deserves. This mix of new affordable homes is exactly what Derby needs to support local families and young professionals. “I’m thrilled to see construction underway and look forward to seeing future residents building strong communities here.” The scheme contributes to NCHA‘s Strategic Partnership with Homes England, to deliver new, affordable homes across the East Midlands. Allan Fisher, Director of Development at NCHA, said: “We are working towards all our new homes being as environmentally friendly as possible, with good thermal comfort and affordability for our customers. We would like to thank Derby City Council for their support on this scheme.” Construction is scheduled to be completed summer 2025. The development will feature a historic World War II pillbox to the south which will be retained and maintained for the benefit of the local community, preserving the legacy of the site the homes will be built upon. Matthew Moore, CEO at MORRO, said: “We’re really looking forward to working towards this brownfield site becoming a thriving community with some much-needed affordable housing for people in the South Derbyshire area. “We pledge to become better community makers and better environment makers, so the progression of these homes across the lifecycle will help to fulfil that while making positive change to the area.”

£6.4m community pavilion makes progress in Stapleford

Tess Egginton
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£6.4m community pavilion makes progress in Stapleford
Plans for a new £6.4m community pavilion for the people of Stapleford are progressing with the release of updated artists impressions and plans for the building and sports pitches.
Due to open in 2025, the building will be a state-of-the-art, accessible, energy-efficient, multi-use building with recreation and sports grounds on the Hickings Lane Recreation Ground. It will replace some of the town’s out-of-date community facilities and bring people of all ages together to meet, learn, play and keep fit, including:
  • A new, fully accessible, energy-efficient building
  • Community café
  • Multi-use events and learning spaces and community rooms
  • 3G sports pitches and changing rooms
  • Enhanced and increased onsite car parking spaces and cycle storage
The outdoor facilities will include an eleven-a-side 3G (a long-lasting high grade all-weather surface) pitch and a smaller seven-a-side multi-use pitch (already part of the main Community Pavilion scheme with planning permission) – as well as space on the park for two five-a-side grass pitches or one seven-a-side pitch. The new larger pitch will create more opportunities for sport for those with disabilities or the less mobile and further community activity during all seasons, increasing the amount of physical activity and wellbeing for local residents. The Steven Gerard Academy, which will open its first Midlands academy in Stapleford in September 2024, will use Hickings Lane as its future base for all football training and education. Not only will the Academy improve the education, health and wellbeing of children and young people and create job opportunities, it will put Stapleford on the map as a centre of excellence for sport. A planning application is required for the sports pitches and local people are encouraged to view the plans and share their views via Broxtowe Borough Council’s planning portal before 15 April 2024. This project is one of six regeneration projects funded through the £21.1m Stapleford Towns Fund. Ian Jowett, Chair of the Stapleford Towns Fund, said: “We’ve worked together with local people to a find solution for the lack of quality community facilities in our town, and this new state-of-the-art community pavilion gives people what they told us they want and need – a central hub for everyone to use. “We listened to what people thought about our plans at our drop-in event in May and our team has worked hard to enhance the plans to make sure that this landmark £6.4m investment meets the many needs of our community, which we know it will.”
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